Audio amplification system

ABSTRACT

A table that incorporates a pivoting one-way audio amplification apparatus is provided. An opening in the tabletop is configured to pivotally accommodate a one-way audio amplification system. The table includes at least one supporting member or leg, and a tabletop supported by the leg. The tabletop defines a substantially horizontal surface. The one-way audio amplification system includes a support and a one-way audio amplification apparatus mounted to the support, where the amplification apparatus includes a microphone. The support is pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position. The support includes a surface that is at least substantially co-planar with the horizontal surface of the tabletop when the audio amplification system is in the closed position. In the open position, the one-way audio amplification apparatus extends from the surface of the tabletop.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to an audio amplification system used for one-way audio transmission. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to audio amplification systems for use in conducting meetings, teleconferences, and the like.

Generally, conference tables are used concurrently by multiple persons as a gathering place for information exchange. The tables are typically designed to support writing pads and utensils necessary to facilitate the exchange of information and, in most cases, are designed to support electronic devices to communicate information more efficiently. These electronic devices may include, for example, microphones, computers, monitors, speakers and various audio devices, word processors and play-back devices, as well as the wirings and connectors associated therewith.

Because modern business meetings typically require the use of several different modes of electronic audio amplification, meetings where multiple electronic devices are required can be problematic because the devices and wirings occupy a large portion of the table. Consequently, available work space for meeting participants is reduced and, therefore, overall meeting efficiency is reduced.

Moreover, the presence of multiple electronic devices including the wirings and connectors associated therewith, can detract from the overall aesthetic appearance of a workspace. More specifically, increased amounts of clutter on conference tables during meetings can not only decrease audio amplification efficiency but can also create a less aesthetically pleasing environment, which detracts from the efficiency of the meeting.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, an audio amplification system is provided. The audio amplification system includes a frame having at least one sidewall, where the frame is mountable to a portion of a tabletop. The audio amplification system also includes a support pivotally connected to the frame by at least one split bearing. Each of the split bearings include an interior bore. The support is pivotable about a central axis between a working position and a storage position. The support includes a first surface, a second surface and defines an interior space. The first surface is at least partially exposed when the support is in the storage position, and the second surface is at least partially exposed when the support is in the working position. The audio amplification system also includes a one-way communication apparatus mounted to the second surface of the support.

In an embodiment, when the support of the audio amplification system is in the storage position, a first surface is substantially parallel with a surface of the tabletop. In an embodiment, when the support is in the working position, the one-way communication apparatus extends beyond a surface of the tabletop.

In an embodiment, the one-way communication apparatus includes at least one wiring that is routed through the interior space of the support.

In an embodiment, the one-way communication apparatus includes at least one wiring that is routed through the interior space of the support, and through the interior bore of at least one of the bearings.

In an embodiment, the one-way communication apparatus includes a plurality of wirings, at least one of said wirings being routed through a first one of the bearings, and at least a different one of said wirings being routed through a second one of the bearings.

In an embodiment, the frame includes at least one detent that resists pivoting of the support when the support is in either of the working position or the storage position.

In an embodiment, the audio amplification system further includes a rotation obstructer extending from a side of the support and that is contactable with plural portions of the frame, where the rotation obstructer limits the pivotal range of the support with respect to the frame to about 180 degrees. In an embodiment, when the support is pivoted to the working position, the rotation obstructer contacts a first portion of the frame, and wherein when the support is pivoted to the storage position, the rotation obstructer contacts a second portion of the frame.

In an embodiment, the audio amplification apparatus comprises a microphone.

In an embodiment, a table is provided. The table includes at least one supporting member, a tabletop supported by the supporting member, the tabletop defining a substantially horizontal surface and having at least one opening, and an audio amplification system accommodated within the opening. The audio amplification system includes a support and an audio amplification apparatus mounted to the support. The support is pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position. The support comprises a melamine based substrate, a buffer layer adhered to the substrate, and a surface veneer adhered to the buffer layer.

In an embodiment, the buffer layer includes a substantially oil free wood based veneer.

In an embodiment, the wood based veneer is prepared by a process including bleaching the wood, and boiling the wood.

In an embodiment, the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging from about 30% to about 40%.

In an embodiment, the audio amplification system has a substantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape selected from the following shapes: square; ovular; circular; and rectangular.

In an embodiment, an audio amplification system is provided. The audio amplification system includes a table. The table includes at least one supporting member and a tabletop. The tabletop included at least one opening and at least one vertical mounting surface defined by the opening. The audio amplification system also includes a square frame having at least one vertical sidewall, the frame mountable to the tabletop by attaching the vertical sidewall of the frame to the vertical mounting surface of the tabletop. The audio amplification system also includes a support pivotally connected to the frame about a central axis between a working position and a storage position. The support defines an interior space. The top member is at least partially exposed when the support is in the storage position, and the bottom member is at least partially exposed when the support is in the working position. The audio amplification system also includes an audio amplification apparatus mounted to the support.

In an embodiment, the square frame is adjustably mounted to the tabletop with a plurality of securing members. The securing members may be: screws, bolts, nails, and pins.

In an embodiment, a table is provided that includes at least one supporting member and a tabletop supported by the supporting member. The tabletop has a substantially horizontal surface and at least one opening. The table also includes an audio amplification system accommodated within the opening, the audio amplification system comprising a support and a microphone mounted to the support. The support is pivotally connected to the tabletop about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position. The support includes a substrate, a buffer layer adhered to the substrate, and a veneer adhered to the buffer layer.

In an embodiment, the substrate comprises melamine. In an embodiment, the buffer layer comprises a substantially oil free wood based veneer. In an embodiment, the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging from about 30% to about 40%.

Additional features are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a table having an plurality of audio amplification systems in the working position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the support of the audio amplification system, where the audio amplification system is square shaped;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the frame of the audio amplification system, where the frame is a square shape;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the audio amplification system according to FIGS. 2 and 3 where the support is partially pivoted between the storage position and the working position, the support being pivoted about a central pivoting axis;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the support of the audio amplification system, where the audio amplification system is a circular shaped;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the frame of the audio amplification system, where the frame is a circular shape;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the audio amplification system according to FIGS. 5 and 6 where the support is partially pivoted between the storage position and the working position, the support being pivoted about a central pivoting axis;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are bottom, rear sectional, and side sectional views illustrating the support according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the support, where a member of the support is multilayered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to tables, audio amplification systems that are intended to be incorporated within a tabletop, and methods for conducting business meetings. As used in the present description, the expression “tabletop” means any surface that is elevated and designed to afford an individual the ability to utilize the surface for work, eating, or similar activities, including surfaces defined by tables, desks, end tables, coffee tables, or conference tables. For example, the tabletop could include a large conference table that is 40-60 feet in length and has a plurality of audio amplifications systems embedded within or mounted to the tabletop, thereby providing a conference table wherein a number of people may be seated about the periphery of the table, and have a separate audio amplification system available for their use.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a table is generally designated by the numeral 10. The table 10 includes at least one supporting member 12 and a tabletop 14 having a horizontal surface 16 and at least one opening 18. The supporting member 12 in the illustrated embodiment comprises two table legs. However, it should be appreciated that any number of table legs or other suitable supporting structures may be used that provide for an elevated tabletop 14.

The table 10 includes one or more openings 18 that are each configured to accommodate an audio amplification system 20. In addition, the table may include one or more additional electronic or peripheral devices 22 that may or may not be connected to the separate audio amplification systems 20. In one example, the peripheral device 22 may be a telephone or other communication apparatus. In FIG. 1, the opening 18 is illustrated to be of a substantially square cross-sectional configuration. However, while the opening 18 is shown in a substantially square cross-sectional configuration, it should be appreciated that other geometric shapes are possible that allow for a pivoting motion of an audio amplification system 20 embedded in the surface 16 of the table 10. For example, the opening 18 may be substantially ovular, circular (as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7), rectangular, or any other suitable geometric shape. In an embodiment, the shape of the opening 18 should be symmetrical to allow for a 180 degree pivot between a working position and a storage position. More generally, the opening 18 should be a shape that corresponds to a shape of a working surface and a shape of the storage surface, such that when the audio amplification system 20 is pivoted from one position to another, the working surface and the storage surface substantially fit within the opening 18.

When the audio amplification system 20 is in the storage or closed position, the one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 is hidden or located under the surface 16 of the tabletop 14. In this position, a surface of the audio amplification system 20 is substantially parallel and co-planar with the surface of the tabletop 14 to allow for increased workspace to the user or users. In an embodiment, the surface is also aesthetically pleasing and may also have a surface characteristic similar to the surface of the tabletop. As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of the audio amplification systems 20 are in the working or open position. Thus, the one-way audio amplification apparatuses 26 or microphones are available for use and they extend from the surface 16 of the tabletop 14.

Although the table 10 in FIG. 1 is illustrated to accommodate eight audio amplification systems, it should be appreciated that the table 10 may accommodate any suitable number of audio amplification systems. Further, it should be appreciated that any number of audio amplification systems may be in the working position or storage position. Accordingly, if a relatively large conference table is used, but is occupied by a small number of meeting participants, not all of the audio amplification systems need be used or activated.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the audio amplification system 20 is shown to be embedded within the opening 18 of tabletop 14. The audio amplification system includes at least one member or frame 50 (see, FIG. 3 or 6) that is mountable to a portion of the tabletop 14 corresponding to the opening 18. The audio amplification system also includes a support 70 pivotally connected to the frame 50.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the support 70 is a square shaped single piece planar member. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the planar member may include two or more pieces. For example, in another embodiment, the support could include an upper and lower portion, where one or both of the upper and lower portions have a groove or channel formed therein such that when these portions are combined, a pathway is formed that allows one or more wiring to be routed from the audio amplification device through the interior of the support.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the support 70 includes a surface 76 that is exposed or viewable when the audio amplification system is pivoted into the working position. The support also includes a surface 78 that is exposed or viewable when the audio amplification system is in the closed or storage position. In an embodiment, a circular or other suitable recess 90 is formed into the surface 76. Also, a circular bore 92 is formed into a sidewall 94 of the support and extends from the sidewall 94 to the recess 90. Thus a suitable pathway is formed from the surface 76 to the sidewall 94 of the support 70. Accordingly, one or more wirings 68 from the audio amplification apparatus 26, such a power cord, can be routed from the audio amplification apparatus 26, through the recess 90, through the circular bore 92 and out the side of the support 70. In this fashion, the wires are not visible to a user and are still capable of being routed to the appropriate power source or data line.

In an embodiment, the support 70 includes one or more grooves 73 formed into the sidewall 94. This groove or grooves 73 mates with a detent 51 when the support is rotated into one of the storage position or the working position. The detent 51 thus restricts pivotal motion of the support to a certain extent.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the frame 50 is a square frame having four sides 64 and mounted to four vertical edges of the tabletop as defined by the opening 18 in the tabletop 14. The four sides of the frame may be separate pieces that are screwed together at the ends to form the four sided frame. In another embodiment, the frame is formed from a single piece. Although the frame 50 is illustrated in FIG. 3 to be square, it should be appreciated that the frame 50 may be any suitable shape and generally corresponds to the shape of the opening 18. For example, if the opening is circular, the frame would also be circular, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In an embodiment the circular frame is a single piece.

In an embodiment, the frame 50 is attached to the tabletop 14 using fastening means including, but not limited to, screws, nails, nuts or bolts. For example, FIG. 3 shows a frame 50 having a plurality of openings 54 that can accommodate a bolt or screw or other suitable fastener. In the illustrated example, the holes 54 in the frame 50 are countersunk such that surface of the screws inserted into the holes can be at least slightly recessed or substantially co-planar from the surface of the frame and thus not interfere with the pivoting motion of the support 70 with respect to the frame. The frame 50 may be removable from the tabletop 14 or integral with the tabletop 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 50 includes two openings 62 a and 62 b. In an embodiment, the openings 62 a accommodates a pin or dowel 61. The pin or dowel 62 a is insertable into an opening 65 a on the support 70 (see, FIG. 2). The opening 62 b accommodates a hollow bearing or split bearing 56. The bearing 56 is rotatable within the opening 62 in one embodiment. Further the bearing 56 is insertable into an opening 65 b on the support 70. Moreover, both of the pin 61 and the bearing 56 are rotatable about a common central pivotal axis 58. The pin 61 and bearing 56 function, at least in part, to pivotally support the main support 70 of the audio amplification system 20 (see, FIG. 2), as described in further detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 3, in an embodiment, the bearing 56 comprises an interior bore 66. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, one or more wirings 68 from the one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 are routed through the interior bore 66 of the bearing 56. In another embodiment, the wirings 68 are not fed through an interior bore of a bearing and are simply fed through another opening (not shown) in the frame 50.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the support 70 is pivotally attached to the frame 50 at two pivot points corresponding the location of the bearing 56 and the pin 61. In an embodiment, the bearing 56 and pin 61 are at least partially inserted into circular recesses 65 a, 65 b formed into the sides of the support 70 (see also, FIG. 2). Therefore, the bearing 56 and the pin 61 provide support for the weight of the support 70 and further allow the support 70 to pivot about the central pivotal axis 58, where the central pivotal axis 58 is substantially horizontal and parallel to the surface 16 of the tabletop 14. In one embodiment, the central pivotal axis 58 is also located slightly below the surface 16 of the tabletop 14 by a distance generally corresponding to half of the thickness of the support 70. That is, when the support 70 is pivoted to the working position, the surface 76 is substantially parallel and/or co-planar with the surface 16 of the tabletop 14. Similarly, it is desired that when the support 70 is pivoted to the storage or closed position, that the surface 78 is substantially parallel and/or co-planar with the surface 16 of the tabletop. Accordingly, the surface 78 is exposed when the audio amplification apparatus 20 is in the storage position or closed position and the surface 76 is exposed when the support is pivoted 180 degrees into the working or open or operating position.

In an embodiment, the microphone or other suitable one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 is mounted to the surface 76 of the support 70 such that the one-way audio amplification apparatus is hidden when in the storage position and is available for use when pivoted to the operating position. In an embodiment, the one-way audio amplification apparatus includes a microphone. The one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 is appropriately sized to fit on the surface 76 of the support 70.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 or 4, the frame 50 includes one or more detents 51 for securing the support 70 in either the working position or the storage position. In one example, a spring loaded detent 51 is mounted to one or more of the walls 64 of the frame 50. Corresponding recesses or notches or channels 73 are formed into the sidewall of the support 70. For example, in FIGS. 2 and 5, a channel 73 is formed into the sidewall 94 of the support 70. Therefore, when the support 70 is pivoted about the central pivoting axis 58 into the storage or closed position, the detent 51 mates with the one of the channels 73 to maintain the support 70 in a relatively stable pivotal position. Similarly, when the support 70 is pivoted about the central pivoting axis 58 into the working or open position, the detent 51 mates with a different channel formed in a different side of the support to maintain the support 70 in a relatively stable pivotal position.

In an embodiment, the user can release the support 70 from the restrained position by tapping, depressing or otherwise releasing the support from the restrained position with the frame 50. After the support 70 has been released, the user can then pivot the support 70 into either the working position or the storage position. These embodiments allow the support 70 to remain in a stable position and also facilitate the user in pivoting the support 70 from one position to another. In other embodiments, the audio amplification system includes a drive or motor that causes the support to pivot to a different position after the user has released the support from a starting position.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the audio amplification system includes a circular pivoting support 70 that is mounted to a circular frame 50. The reference numerals in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 correspond to the reference numerals in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In generally, the device as illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, functions in the same way and has similar structural components to the audio amplification system illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. Thus, discussion of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, is omitted herein.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the frame 50 is a square frame having four sides, the frame being mounted to the tabletop as described above. In this embodiment, two of the sides include recessed portions 60 a, 60 b on an interior side of the frame 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the recesses are formed only part of the way through the frame in the vertical direction. A first one of the recessed portions 60 a accommodates a pin 72 or other suitable protrusion extending from the support 70 and functions as a hard stop when the support 70 is pivoted into the working position. A second one of the recessed portions 60 b accommodates the same pin 72 or another pin and functions as a hard stop when the plate is pivoted into the storage position. That is, the hard stops function to obstruct the support 70 from pivoting beyond a maximum pivotal range of about 180 degrees. This reduces the amount of twisting of the wires, where the wires are routed from the one-way audio amplification apparatus and through the interior bore 66 of the split bearing 56.

In an embodiment, the opening in the tabletop 14 is a rectangular opening sized to accommodate the audio amplification system 20. The rectangular opening defines four walls or mounting surfaces (not shown) that a have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the tabletop. These four walls include threaded openings for mounting the frame 50, which is described in detail below. More specifically, the sidewalls 64 of the square frame 50 of the support include several openings 54 corresponding to the openings in the four mounting surfaces in the tabletop. Any suitable attaching means such as screws, pins, dowels, or bolts are fed through the holes 54 in order to mount the frame 50 to the tabletop 14. Therefore, the frame 50 is side-mounted to the walls of the tabletop. It should be appreciated that where the opening in the tabletop 14 is circular or ovular or any suitable shape that the frame is a corresponding shape and would similarly include holes for mounting the frame to the tabletop. In one embodiment, the holes 54 of the frame 50 are countersunk and accept a screw with a tapered head. In this embodiment, the screws are substantially flush with or slightly recessed from the inside surfaces of the sidewalls 64 of the frame 50. This allows the support 70 to freely pivot within the frame without interfering with the mounting bolts or screws.

In an embodiment, as illustrated best in FIG. 2, the support 70 includes an interior portion 92 or channel for housing and/or guiding one or more wires 68 leading from the one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 or microphone to an interior or underside of the tabletop 14. In an embodiment, the support 70 is a single platform. In another embodiment, the support 70 is a split platform that includes two or more sections that define an interior space or channel. The wires include one or more of the following: a microphone wire; a power cord; and a network cable such as an Ethernet wire. The wires 68 are guided from the bottom of the one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 or microphone, into the interior of the support 70 through an opening 90 in the surface 76 of the support 70. The wires 68 are then guided through the channel 92, through a bearing 56, thereby also passing through the opening 62 in the frame 50. The wires 68 continue under the tabletop 14 for connection to a power source or a suitable information jack.

In an embodiment, the audio amplification system 20 includes a switch 96 device (see, FIGS. 8A and 8C) that activates the power such that when a user pivots the support 70 from the storage position to the working or open position the audio amplification system powers on. In one example, when the device is pivoted into the working position, the device completes an electrical circuit to cause the audio amplification system 20 to turn on or power up. Similarly, when the device is pivoted away from the working position, the electrical circuit is broken and the audio amplification system 20 is powered down. The device may be a mercury switch, a roller ball or any other suitable electrical switching device that operates, at least in part, based on gravity. In other embodiments, the audio amplification system 20 may be powered on even when it is pivoted to the storage or closed position.

In an embodiment, the support 70 includes a melanine based substrate having a surface coating or layer 76 or veneer applied thereto. In one embodiment, the surface layer 76 includes a composite veneer. In this example, the surface 76 is attached or affixed or adhered to the melanine based substrate. Any suitable adhesive, glue or other suitable affixing medium may be used. It should be appreciated that the substrate of the top member 100 may comprise any suitable materials such as polymer based materials, resins, wood, ceramics or the like. In an example, the surface 76 has an artificial wood grain appearance. In further examples, the surface 76 may be marble, faux leather, wood or any other suitable surface material. As mentioned above, the one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 or microphone is fixed or mounted to the surface 76 of the support 70, such that the audio amplification apparatus 26 extends above the surface 16 of the tabletop 14 for use.

The other surface 78 of the support 70 includes a table coating having a composite veneer. In this example, the surface 78 is attached or affixed or adhered to the melanine based substrate as well. Any suitable adhesive, glue or other suitable affixing medium may be used. It should be appreciated that the surface 78 may be marble, faux leather, wood or any other suitable surface material, as described above with reference to the surface 76. Alternatively, the surface 78 can include other suitable materials having appropriate cosmetic or tactile appeal to the users.

Although the support 70 has been described above as including a single member, it should be appreciated that the support 70 may include any suitable number of components that may be pieces or other wise connected together, such the wires 68 from the one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 can be suitably routed therein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, an audio amplification apparatus 26 or microphone is mounted to the surface 76 of the support 70. As mentioned above, one or more wirings 68 are routed through the interior channel 92. Moreover, the support 70 includes a suitable switching mechanism 96 such as a mercury switch. Therefore, as the support 70 is pivoted about the central pivoting access 58 from the storage position to the working position, the electrical circuit is completed and power is supplied to the audio amplification apparatus 26.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the support 70 includes at least one member that is a layered member 210. The layered member includes a substrate 208, a first adhesive layer 206, a buffer layer 204, a second adhesive layer 202, and a surface layer 200. In one embodiment, the substrate is comprised of melamine or a melamine based material. Melamine is a material generally characterized by the formula C₃H₆N₆ and has the following chemical structure:

Melamine is used to produce melamine resin, which when combined with formaldehyde produces a very durable thermoset plastic. This thermoset plastic has a relatively low density, is easily machinable and highly durable. Accordingly, the melamine based substrate is suitable for use in the pivoting support member 70. However, there is a difficultly in directly adhering the surface layer 200 or surface veneer directly to the melamine substrate 208. Accordingly, a buffer layer 204 or adhesion layer is first applied to the melamine substrate 208 with a suitable adhesive 206.

In one embodiment, the buffer layer 204 is a preprocessed wood based veneer. In one example, the preprocessing includes slicing, bleaching and boiling the wood based veneer to substantially remove the oils from the wood. Thus, the buffer layer 204 is a substantially oil free wood based veneer. The wood based veneer may include one or more than one type of wood, where the wood may be African obiche wood that has been reconstituted according to the above preprocessing methods. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable wood may be used that has suitable adhesion properties to the melamine based substrate 208.

In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer 206 includes is an adhesive sold under the trade name Gorilla Glue™. This adhesive includes, at least in part, a urethane prepolymer and a polymeric MDI (4,4′-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate), where polymeric MDI is a mixture of monomeric MDI, isomeres and a homopolymer. The urethane prepolymer is included in a weight percent ranging from about 60-70% and the polymeric MDI is included in a weight percent ranging from about 30-40%. It should be appreciated that any suitable adhesive may be used as the first adhesive layer provided that the adhesive is suitable for adhering a substantially oil free wood based veneer to a melamine substrate.

In one embodiment, applying the buffer layer 204 or adhesion layer to the substrate 208 includes wetting the buffer layer 204, applying the adhesive to the buffer layer 204 or the substrate 208 to form the first adhesive layer 206, clamping the buffer layer 204 to the substrate 208, and allowing the adhesive to dry or set for approximately five to eight hours.

In one embodiment, the second adhesive layer 202 is applied to the upper surface of the buffer layer 204. In an embodiment, the second adhesive layer 202 comprises a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue. PVA glue is typically referred to as wood glue or carpenter's glue, and has the following chemical structure:

It should be appreciated that any suitable adhesive may be used in the second adhesive layer 202 that sufficiently bonds the surface layer 200 to the buffer layer 204. In an embodiments, the surface layer 200 is a veneer having a wood grained appearance. The wood grain can be selected to substantially mimic a surface of the tabletop. In another embodiment, the surface layer 200 includes a faux leather covering. It should be appreciated that the surface layer 200 can comprise any suitable material or coating, and may further include aesthetic or tactile characteristics that would be enhance the overall look and feel of the table.

Accordingly, by providing a buffer layer 204 or adhesive layer between the surface layer 200 and the melamine substrate 208, the surface layer 200 does not peel away or separate from the underlying substrate 208.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 

1. An audio amplification system comprising: a frame having at least one sidewall, the frame being mountable to a portion of a tabletop; a support pivotally connected to the frame by at least one split bearing each defining an interior bore, the support pivotable about a central axis between a working position and a storage position, the support having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the storage position, and the second surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the working position; and an audio amplification apparatus mounted to the support.
 2. The audio amplification system according to claim 1, wherein when the support is in the storage position, the first surface is substantially parallel with a surface of the tabletop.
 3. The audio amplification system according to claim 1, wherein when the support is in the working position, audio amplification apparatus extends above a surface of the tabletop.
 4. The audio amplification system according to claim 1, wherein the audio amplification apparatus includes at least one wiring that is routed through an interior space of the support.
 5. The audio amplification system according to claim 1, wherein the audio amplification apparatus includes at least one wiring that is routed through an interior space of the support, and through the interior bore of at least one of the split bearings.
 6. The audio amplification system according to claim 5, wherein the audio amplification apparatus includes a plurality of wirings routed through the bearing.
 7. The audio amplification system according to claim 1, wherein the frame includes at least one detent that resists pivoting of the support when the support is in either of the working position or the storage position.
 8. The audio amplification system according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation obstructer extending from a side of the support and that is contactable with plural portions of the frame, wherein the rotation obstructer limits the pivotal range of the support with respect to the frame to about 180 degrees.
 9. The audio amplification system according to claim 8, wherein when the support is pivoted to the working position, the rotation obstructer contacts a first portion of the frame, and wherein when the support is pivoted to the storage position, the rotation obstructer contacts a second portion of the frame.
 10. The audio amplification system of claim 1, wherein the audio amplification apparatus comprises a microphone.
 11. A table comprising: at least one leg; a tabletop supported by the legs, the tabletop defining a substantially horizontal surface and having at least one opening; and an audio amplification system accommodated within the opening, the audio amplification system comprising a support and a one-way communication apparatus mounted to the support, the support being pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position, and the support comprising a melamine based substrate, a buffer layer adhered to the substrate, and a surface veneer adhered to the buffer layer.
 12. The table of claim 11, wherein the buffer layer comprises a substantially oil free wood based veneer.
 13. The table of claim 12, wherein the wood based veneer is prepared by a process including bleaching the wood, and boiling the wood based veneer.
 14. The table of claim 11, wherein the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging from about 30% to about 40%.
 15. The table of claim 11, wherein the audio amplification system has a substantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of: square; ovular; circular; and rectangular.
 16. An audio amplification system comprising: a table having at least one leg and a tabletop supported by the leg, the tabletop including at least one opening and at least one vertical mounting surface defined by the opening; a square frame having at least one vertical sidewall, the frame mountable to the tabletop by attaching the vertical sidewall of the frame to the vertical mounting surface of the tabletop; a support pivotally connected to the frame about a central axis between a working position and a storage position, the support including a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the storage position, and the bottom surface at least partially exposed when the support is in the working position; and a one-way communication apparatus mounted to the bottom surface of the support.
 17. The audio amplification system of claim 16, wherein the square frame is adjustably mounted to the tabletop with a plurality of securing members, the securing members selected from the group consisting of: screws, bolts, nails, and pins.
 18. A table comprising: at least one leg; a tabletop supported by the leg, the tabletop defining a substantially horizontal surface and having at least one opening; and an audio amplification system accommodated within the opening, the audio amplification system comprising a support and a microphone mounted to the support, the support being pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position, and the support comprising a substrate, a buffer layer adhered to the substrate, and a veneer adhered to the buffer layer.
 19. The table of claim 18, wherein the substrate comprises melamine.
 20. The table of claim 18, wherein the buffer layer comprises a substantially oil free wood based veneer.
 21. The table of claim 18, wherein the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging from about 30% to about 40%.
 22. The table of claim 18, wherein the support has a substantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of: square; ovular; circular; and rectangular. 